'Thrumming with dangerous secrets and meticulous historical detail - this is a go-to for fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe!' Kate Griffin, co-author of The Blackbirds of St Giles

Hang for murder, or destroy a secret that protects their precious ways of life. Can Jasper and Hayden find a third way forward?

Carlisle, September 1747.

A rebellion has been put down, but trouble persists for two soldiers in the government army. Jasper Greatheed is a man with a secret.

As a ‘molly’ he could be hanged for sodomy.

His friend is also living a lie – Private Hayden Gray is in fact a woman. Two years ago she joined the army to escape a life of debt and victimisation.

Unsuspected until now, they are part of the garrison of Carlisle castle.

When a vicious sergeant is murdered, Hayden comes under sharp suspicion. Her only alibi will wreck her masquerade, and if she is exposed, as her ‘dresser’ Jasper will not keep his secret for long either.

They set out to find the sergeant’s real murderer before time runs out.

After all, the officer who is leading the official investigation has reason to hate Hayden.

Inspired by real-life female soldiers who served in the military in the 18th century, A Cruel Corpse is an accomplished blend of history and crime.

Ben Bergonzi is an author and Reviews Editor for Historical Novel Reviews. He lives in the UK.

Praise for A Cruel Corpse:
‘A Cruel Corpse is a superbly written, expertly researched and gripping historical novel. Hayden Gray is an inspired creation, and this is historical fiction at its finest. Perfect for readers of Sharpe or Shardlake.’ Howard Linskey, author of A Serpent In The Garden

‘A transportive novel, embroidered with rich historical detail, Bergonzi brings his characters to life with deft, immersive prose.’ A.J. West, author of The Betrayal of Thomas True

‘Fascinating characters, tense plot, and a well-turned mystery.' Eleanor Swift-Hook, author of the Lord’s Legacy series

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